6.3.2 Comparing Genomes

Question 1

Synthetic Biology Def

Answer 1

Creating new biological systems, such as altering genomes to change an organisms function

Question 2

What has gene sequencing allowed us to do?

Answer 2

• Compare genomes between individuals and species
• Sequences of amino acids can be predicted
• Development of synthetic biology

Question 3

Bioinformatics notes

Answer 3

• Involves storage retrieval and analysis of data
• Computes required to process data
• Large databases contain info about an organisms gene sequences and amino acid sequences
• These sequences can be compared with other organisms’
• Degrees of similarity can be calculated
• Good for experimental data
• Bioinformatics has contributed to the study of genetic variation, evolutionary relationships and genotype-phenotype relationships and epidemiology

Question 4

Genetic Variation and Evolutionary Relationships Notes

Answer 4

• Species of Organisms have their genomes sequenced and compared
• High genetic variation means more differences in BASE SEQUENCES between individuals
• All forms of comparisons between organisms involves comparing their genomes
• Including looking for evolutionary relationships
• Species with fewer differences in nucleotide bases (in their genome) are more likely to share common ancestors
• Vice versa
• Cytochrome C is involved in respiration and so found in lots of species, and so is useful in making comparisons between different species

Question 5

Genotype-Phenotype relationship notes

Answer 5

• Sequencing genes and altering genomes
• Eg. Removing genes and seeing the effect it has on the organisms characteristics (phenotype)
• When an organisms genome is sequenced, scientists can target specific bases to knock out

Question 6

Epidemiology notes

Answer 6

• Study of spread of infectious diseases within populations
• Genomes of pathogens can be sequenced and analysed
• Highly infectious strains can be identified helping with research and disease control
• Data collected after sequencing and analysing genome can allow appropriate control measures to be implemented
• Appropriate vaccines can be produced

Question 7

Human Genome Project Notes

Answer 7

• DNA samples taken from multiple people around the world
• Genomes of these individuals were sequenced and analysed
• A Human REFERENCE GENOME has created, which is 99.9% accurate
• Data is publicly available so data can be rapidly shared among researchers for maximal human benefit

Applications :
- Scientists can notice correlations between changes in genes and the likelihood of developing inherited diseases
- Eg. Some genes have been linked to increased risk of cancers or alzheimers